Tl;DR:
My exhaust is falling apart and needs to be replaced, i already have cattman headers and equal length y-pipe (but believe they are designed for fed spec, my car is cali spec) and would like to save money by making use of these. Is it possible to use these on my car and what modifications would i need to make throughout the exhaust. Pictures below.

1999 (6/98 production)
Cali spec (V as 12th character)
113k miles
Original exhaust

Cattman headers (3 O2 ports- 1 in front, 2 in rear)
Cattman Y-pipe ( no O2 ports)
Magnaflow HM grade universal cat ($209-#99205hm)
Trubendz B-pipe ($170 aluminized or $210 409 stainless)
FlowMaster 50 series delta flow chambered muffler 2.5" offset in 2.5" center out ($150)

Ive had interest before in upgrading my exhaust but now it is a necessity.
I just found my muffler is completely rotted off, the support hangers have rusted out at the middle of the car and now it is sitting on the small support behind the resonator bouncing and sliding around. The flex pipe is just about gone and its mesh is off.

Its clear to say ive been neglecting my maxima and i think its time i show it some love. I plan replace the entire system headers and all. Ive put this off for so long because my lack of experience with exhaust systems and no experience with welding (besides countless hours of videos and forum research).

So as listed above i have the cattman headers and equal length y-pipe from another maxima i purchased for parts a while back. From what i understand the y-pipe is designed for federal emissions (no o2 ports) but between the 2 headers there is 3 o2 ports (i assume thats what they all are, again exhaust dummy). Also from my understanding, being that my car is cali spec, there is 4 o2 sensors at the front of the vehicle.




I also intend to get the MagnaFlow HM Grade Federal / EPA Compliant Universal Catalytic Converter. Is this a good choice/price? I see they have an offer for up to $75 for recycling your old cat which seems decent,anyone know of anyone else buying old cats at a better price?



For the B-Pipe im looking at Trubendz.com, they have 3 choices, the 304 stainless being a bit above my comfort price. So it comes down to the 409 stainless or the Aluminized steel. It looks like there is enough pipe to account for a resonator delete. As i know after all this work my maxima will sound vastly different and from what i understand adding a resonator or deleting will just tune the sound. So looking for recommendations, i have no interest in adding a resonator unless it will prevent the can of bees sound.


And finally the muffler, in the past i was looking at the Flowmaster super 40 but now im leaning towards the Flowmaster 50 seriesin the hopes that it will provide a healthy rumble with little cabin noise. Opinions or experience here is welcome, any other better options?


50 series

Super 40


Ive found several threads related to the removal of the headers and understand it can be a real pain. I see that its recommended to remove the UIM, which i have experience with so no big deal just time consuming. So any other tips or links for removing the headers would be appreciated, i know some of you have a database of great threads in the back of your mind.

As mentioned earlier, i have no welding experience, though i do have a titanum flux 125 from harbor freight ive been waiting to make use of (originally bought to fix up the radiator support which i still need to do)
I understand that this welder isnt exactly designed for stainless steel but ive found other people get decent results with a few mods and persistence.
This is the link to the welder modification for welding stainless

Looking to start this project as soon as i order all the parts, so feel free to jump in and make any product suggestions or prevent me from buying something i shouldnt.